Fast-fashion has been reshaped by digital-first brands that rely on data, pre-orders, and social media to capture style trends almost instantly. One of the fastest-growing names in this space is Cider. Founded in 2020, the brand has become a global hit with Gen Z shoppers for its affordable prices, aesthetic variety, and TikTok-driven styles. But like any fast-fashion player, it has both strengths and weaknesses worth knowing before you buy.
What is Cider?
Cider is a global e-commerce clothing brand that focuses on trendy, low-cost apparel and accessories. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, it ships to over 160 countries.
Instead of producing massive stockpiles of clothing, Cider uses data-driven demand forecasting and limited runs to cut waste. Its catalog spans:
- Dresses, tops, pants, and outerwear
- Curve/plus-size options
- Shoes, bags, and accessories
- Mood-based shopping categories (e.g., “Cute,” “Edgy,” “Romantic”)
This business model appeals to trend-hungry shoppers who want new looks quickly, but it also raises questions around sustainability and quality.
Features of Cider
- Mood-Based Shopping: Users can shop by “aesthetic” or vibe (e.g., Cottagecore, Y2K), not just by category.
- Frequent New Drops: Weekly additions keep the store aligned with TikTok and Instagram trends.
- Inclusive Sizing: Curve and plus collections are offered alongside regular sizes.
- Global Reach: Ships to more than 160 countries with localized apps and payment options.
- Affordable Pricing: Most items fall between $12–$40, undercutting many traditional retailers.
- Mobile App: Highly rated on the App Store and Google Play for smooth browsing and exclusive deals.
Uses of Cider
- Trend Experiments: Affordable prices allow shoppers to test bold or seasonal styles without a big investment.
- Social Media Looks: Many customers buy outfits specifically for Instagram, TikTok, or events.
- Wardrobe Expansion: A Quick way to add variety to a closet without overspending.
- Curve Fashion Options: Plus-size shoppers find more variety than some fast-fashion peers provide.
Pricing
Cider’s strength lies in its budget-friendly range.
Tops: $10–$25
Dresses: $18–$40
Outerwear: $30–$60
Accessories & Bags: $8–$25
Shoes: $20–$45
Shipping costs vary by region. Returns are accepted, but buyers outside major markets often report that international return shipping is expensive or inconvenient.
Competitors Comparison
| Factor | Cider | Shein | Zara | Princess Polly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2020 | 2008 | 1974 | 2010 |
| Trend Speed | Fast, data-driven drops | Ultra-fast, mass scale | Moderate, seasonal | Fast, influencer-led |
| Pricing | $12–$40 | $10–$35 | $25–$70 | $30–$80 |
| Sustainability Rating (GoodOnYou) | Very Poor | Very Poor | Poor–Fair | Poor |
| Size Inclusivity | Curve/Plus range | Limited plus | Standard EU sizing | Moderate |
| Global Shipping | 160+ countries | 220+ countries | Global retail stores + online | Limited to select regions |
Compared to Shein, Cider positions itself as slightly more curated, but both face similar criticism over sustainability. Zara and Princess Polly target a higher price bracket with slightly better quality and branding.
Reviews
Positive Reviews
- Trendy & Accurate Styles: Outfits often look exactly like TikTok or Instagram trends.
- Affordable for Experiments: Users liked being able to buy bold styles without overspending.
- Compliments & Aesthetic Appeal: Reviewers noted outfits looked stylish and photogenic.
- User-Friendly App & Filters: Easy to browse by style, mood, or trend.
Cosmopolitan Review:
“I was surprised by how on-trend the pieces were. They look exactly like what I’ve been seeing online, and the prices made it easy to try.”
Negative Reviews (1–2 stars)
- Inconsistent Quality: Some clothes were thin or lost shape after washing.
- Sizing Issues: Fit varied significantly between pieces.
- Return Hassles: International returns were costly and time-consuming.
- Sustainability Concerns: Critics noted reliance on polyester and lack of transparency.
Example (User Review on Trustpilot-style forums):
“The dress I ordered looked great online, but felt cheap in person. Returning it wasn’t worth the shipping cost, so I just donated it.”
Pros & Cons (Based on User & Expert Reviews)
Pros
- Affordable pricing, most items under $40
- Trendy, social-media-ready designs
- Wide aesthetic variety + curve sizing
- User-friendly app with strong visuals
- Frequent new collections and drops
Cons
- Inconsistent quality across items
- Sizing runs small or varies unpredictably
- International returns can be costly/difficult
- Environmental & labor transparency is weak
- The longevity of clothes is often limited after washing
Final Thoughts
Cider has carved out a place in global fast-fashion by combining social media trend-tracking, mood-based shopping, and affordable pricing. For young, style-flexible buyers, it’s an accessible way to experiment with fashion.
That said, the trade-offs, quality inconsistency, sustainability concerns, and return hassles are worth noting. If your priority is cheap, trendy outfits for short-term wear, Cider delivers. But if you’re looking for timeless, durable, or ethically produced clothing, you may want to invest elsewhere.
